Astrophysics Graduate Diploma GradDip
Our Astrophysics Graduate Diploma programme is for graduates of subjects other than astrophysics who wish to gain degree-level knowledge and expertise in astrophysics. The programme follows the core of the honours years in an Astrophysics or a Physics BSc Hons degree, with introductory material to ease transition into the subject. It is ideal for those with a degree that already provides a grounding in applied mathematics, problem-solving, and academic writing and presentation, and can be combined with our Physics and Astronomy MSc programmes.
- Academic contact: Andy.Buckley@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- PgDip: 12 months full-time
Why this programme
- The graduate diploma route allows graduates in cognate subjects to augment existing skills with astrophysics-specific subject knowledge, opening routes to a new suite of careers and further education opportunities.
- The graduate diploma can be combined with a University of Glasgow 1-year MSc programme otherwise only available to physics and astrophysics graduates. You will be eligible for the 20% alumni discount when going on to study on the MSc programme.
- The School of Physics and Astronomy is active and highly rated in research spanning physics and astrophysics, from radio and solar astronomy to gravitational waves, particle and nuclear physics to quantum information, and from nanoscale imaging to quantum optics and sensing.
- You will benefit from our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. The alliance brings together internationally leading physics researchers across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
- You will benefit from direct contact with our group of international experts who will teach you cutting-edge physics and supervise your projects.
Programme structure
The programme includes the central topics of honours astrophysics, with modes of delivery including lectures, seminars and tutorials and computer-lab work. You will have the flexibility to tailor your choice of optional lecture courses and project work toward your specific research topics of interest.
Core courses
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Electromagnetic Theory 1
- Honours Computational Physics Laboratory
- Cosmology* / High Energy Astrophysics**
- Instruments for Optical and Radio Astronomy* / Stellar Structure and Evolution**
Optional courses
- Mathematical Methods 1***
- Analytical Mechanics
- Medical Imaging
- Lasers & Non-Linear Optics
- Exploring Planetary Systems*/Heliophysics and Stellar Atmospheres**
- Solid State Physics
- Atomic Systems
- Particle Physics
- Semiconductor Physics
- Mathematical Methods 2***
- Energy And Environment
- Astronomical Data Analysis*/Galaxies**
*Offered in alternate years starting 2026/27.
**Offered in alternate years starting 2027/28.
***Students may take either Maths Methods 1 or Maths Methods 2, depending on prior background.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
Successful completion of this programme will equip you for graduate-level careers in astrophysics and in disciplines such as:
- data-science
- quantitative analysis
- software engineering.
It will also equip you to progress to a Masters or PhD programme in astrophysics.
In particular, this programme guarantees entry to MSc programmes in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Glasgow. This opens up a variety of future options in:
- academic research based in universities, research institutes, observatories and laboratory facilities
- industrial research in a wide range of fields including energy and the environmental sector, IT and semiconductors, optics and lasers, materials science, telecommunications, engineering
- banking and commerce
- higher education.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2027-28
GradDip
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £8,728
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £21,010
Fee status
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
Fulbright Commission
The US-UK Fulbright Commission hosts both the Fulbright scholarship programme and the EducationUSA advising network for the UK. The Commission focuses on opportunities and exchanges between the USA and the UK, as part of a global programme. The Fulbright Awards are now open and there are several postgraduate or research project awards available. The US-UK Fulbright Commission is committed to growing the numbers of applications and participants in the UK Fulbright Postgraduate programme from under-represented groups and to continuing fair access to the programme.
World Changers Postgraduate Sport Excellence Scholarship
The World Changers Postgraduate Sport Excellence Scholarship recognises exceptional international student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in both their academic studies and sporting performance. The scholarship is designed to support talented athletes who will make a significant contribution to the University of Glasgow's Performance Sport Programme while pursuing their degree.
World Changers China Excellence Award
Our World Changers China Excellence Award aims to support exceptional students from the country in their journey to become Future World Changers. We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study (postgraduate diploma or certificate programmes are not eligible for this scholarship), to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.
The University is offering up to 12 scholarships for International students from China, starting a one year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2027/28. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee waiver of £12,500 for one year only.
Carnegie Masters Grants
If you have any questions about the scheme or would like to discuss your eligibility before applying, please contact: grants@carnegie-trust.org, the Scholarship team at the University of Glasgow will not be able to provide further information on this scheme.
Postgraduate study can open doors to better careers, new opportunities and higher earning potential, however cost can be a major barrier. Funding options for study at this level in Scotland are limited, but the new Carnegie Masters Grant from Carnegie Education Fund (CEF) help to address this problem.
This new scheme helps students from low-income Scottish households undertake masterʼs programmes of study at Scottish universities. It helps to cover the cost of tuition fees and, in some cases, will offer additional support for study costs.
The scheme aims to:
- Support people from low-income backgrounds who want to return to higher education to upskill or reskill to change career.
- Increase the numbers of low-income students undertaking postgraduate study in Scotland
- Equip graduates with the skills and expertise to meet current and emerging skills gaps in Scotland.
About Carnegie Education Fund Carnegie Education Fund is an independent charitable trust that aims to support participation in and improvement of Scotlandʼs higher education system through grants and research. It was established in 1901 as the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (SC015600).
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2:1 or above in a first degree in a cognate subject: e.g. Maths, Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering. Previous study must include modules in Mathematics, providing a core of calculus and linear algebra needed for physics study.
English language requirements
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.
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